Category: Metal

From Southern California, Inertia is an alternative metal band who are set to release their new album on the second of June. The band’s sound comes from the likes of Thrice, Corelia and Bring Me The Horizon. Inertia was originally formed with the intent of creating a unique sound which the local scene lacked. Once The Process is released, the band plan on touring the United States, so be sure to check out their Facebook and Twitter feeds below to keep up to date.

The LP begins with Guilty Crown. Immediately you get a sense of their style and sound. The strings are noticably synthesised and the drumming quite intense but these aspects complement the genre. My only issue with this track was the echo effect on the last note, which in my opinion didn’t really need to be there. I enjoyed the dissonant harmonies in the vocals and the use of silence right after the chorus in Le Femme. The inclusion of piano in the next track gave melodic depth and softened the sound. At the same time, the guitar solo in The Run was gritty and lended the track an edge. The Further was the only track where I caught brief glimpses of the lead vocalist’s falsetto. I think it would be interesting to hear a whole chorus or verse in his falsetto; it would give a completely new aspect to their sound. It was at this point in the LP where I would have liked to hear a ballad, or a slower/quieter song. Instead, Asphodels madly showcased the band’s musical prowess, with the drums sounding like a flying insect whose wings were furiously working to keep them in the air.

In The Face Of Defeat was a lyrical track with rich vocal textures. It was this song that should have been further up in the list. The watery echo effect on the guitar in Whispers blended so naturally with the piano part. Again, the layering of harmonies on top of the melody line was continued in the track. The constantly changing drum patterns in Heartless Nobody ensured that the song didn’t get boring, with the repeated lyrics funtioning like an echo. Creature of Creatures was a purely instrumental track. The use of long sustained chords made the song sound spacious, and as a result, a little ominous. It was during A Good Day To Die that the lack of overall crescendo throughout songs in the vocal part became apparent. There was definitely light and shade within phrases and lines, but the vocals stayed on the same level throughout the songs. Possibly looking at it from a ‘bigger picture’ perspective could take their work to another level. There was yet another ripping guitar solo in Vamps. It was probably the best solo on the album. In The Face Of Defeat 2 had an interesting chord structure, and I enjoyed the change in vibe after the three minute mark, switching to a smooth, suave sound.

This is a great album from Inertia. There are some great artistic choices in there, and they very clearly showcase their talents. With a bit of tweaking and experience I think they could go far. I give it 9.5/10.